Imagine a place that is so large that it can be
seen from a spacecraft orbiting the earth!

The Great Barrier Reef stretches for more than 2000km along the north-east coast of Australia. Comprising more than 2900 reefs, some 940 islands and surrounding waters, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest natural feature on the earth.

Covering over 348 000 km2, the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) was internationally recognised as being a unique area of outstanding value to humankind and a jewel in the crown of the world's natural wonders.

While the coral reefs initially made the Great Barrier Reef famous, the area also comprises:

mangrove estuaries

sandy and coral cays

continental islands

seagrass beds

algal & sponge 'gardens'

sandy or muddy seabed communities

continental slopes and deep ocean trenches

All Images courtesy of the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park Authority

The Great Barrier Reef provides habitats for a wide variety of marine-based plants and animals. The Reef is home to approximately: